Parting Under the Moonlit River

Nora went downstairs with Daniel.

The young men at the mixer were all top-tier, from prominent families.

She hadn’t expected Adrian to be here too.

When he saw her, he strode over, grabbed her hand. “Nora, this isn’t the place to make a scene. Leave now.”

She pulled free. “And why should I?”

“You didn’t come here following me?”

She laughed. “You think too highly of yourself.”

“This is a Reynolds family event — don’t tell me you’re claiming to be one of them?”

She snorted. “I never said that.”

“If you want a divorce, let’s argue at home, not—”

“Who’s this guy bothering you?” Daniel appeared, draping an arm around her shoulder.

The sight made Adrian’s face darken. He grabbed Daniel’s arm. “Take your filthy hand off her!”

Daniel released Nora and slapped Adrian across the face.

The sound echoed in the hall.

“Who the hell are you to interfere with me and my sister?”

“Sister?” Adrian’s eyes widened.

Nora knew he’d never believe it.

“Daniel, I’ll handle this. Go greet the guests.”

Daniel patted her shoulder. “Fine. But tell me the whole story later.”

Adrian’s expression turned ugly. “How is Daniel Reynolds your brother? Who are you really?”

“My cousin. We’re close. And I came here to see my cousin tonight.”

Then she gave him a cold look. “Aren’t you here for the social mixer too?”

He hesitated, then said, “The company wants to work with Chairman Reynolds. I came to talk business.”

“Then wait here. I’ll look around.”

Adrian grabbed her arm again. “Don’t wander off. Leave.”

Before Nora could curse him out, a delicate hand tugged Adrian’s arm.

“Adrian, let’s go. Don’t keep Chairman Reynolds waiting.” Vivian slipped her arm through his.

Seeing her, ignoring Nora completely — classic Vivian.

Nora’s contempt solidified. If anyone wanted this man, they could have him.

Adrian let Vivian cling to him, glowering. “This isn’t a place for you. Don’t make the Reynolds family throw you out.”

Even now, it was all about him.

Nora scraped her manicured nails across his hand. “Get lost.”

“You should be grateful I warned you,” he said darkly, rubbing the scratch. “Knowing someone here doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want.”

“Mr. Cole,” Nora sneered, “my life isn’t yours to control.”

Vivian gasped. “Adrian, your hand’s bleeding! Nora, how could you be so cruel? Even if you divorce, you should remember his kindness.”

Nora’s eyes gleamed coldly.

Vivian was already talking as if the divorce was done. Clearly she had been waiting for this.

Nora crossed her arms. “Exactly. Since we’re divorcing, Adrian has no right to tell me what to do.”

Adrian clenched his fists. “Nora! Stop being unreasonable!”

“Congratulations,” she said with a mocking smile. “I wish you two a lifetime of happiness — rats and snakes together.”

He raised his hand to strike her, but she dodged, laughing. “Dare to hit me now, Mr. Cole?”

Vivian scowled. “I can’t believe a doctor would speak so viciously.”

“When the heart is dirty, everything sounds dirty,” Nora said coldly.

Adrian’s face was grim. “We’ll talk when we get home.”

Nora sneered. Who wanted to talk to him?

Vivian sniffed, still smug. “Don’t take offense. The Reynolds family isn’t like ordinary families. You don’t want to provoke them.”

Nora ignored her and walked into the crowd.

She moved with the natural grace of a society heiress. Even after five years away, the guests recognized her immediately.

“Look at you, Nora. You’ve grown into a fine young lady. That baby fat is all gone.”